Embarking on the exhilarating journey of becoming a freelance travel journalist opens doors to a world of exploration, storytelling, and cultural immersion. These writers, often described as modern-day nomads, traverse the globe, weaving narratives that transport readers to distant lands.
The realm of freelance travel writing encompasses diverse topics, from the intricacies of local culture to the nuances of global travel trends. To understandhow to become a freelance travel journalistis to embrace a career that transcends conventional boundaries, offering the freedom to write from the bustling streets of London or the serene coast of Maine.
In this dynamic profession, balancing personal responsibility with the allure of unrestricted schedules is key, making it a path that demands self-discipline and dedication. So, if you're captivated by the idea of turning your passion for travel into captivating stories, let's delve into the steps that define how to become a freelance travel journalist.
What Is Travel Writing?
Let's talk about what trip writing is first. What it isn't, though, is more important. On the one hand, travel writing is the skill of writing about people, places, and things that are not in your own country. Still, some tripwriters focus on the places where they live.
Writing in-depth insider content or local guidebooks could be a great way to make money if you live in a unique place that gets a lot of tourists. While some travel writers write about the why, how, and where of travel, most of them make most of their money writing about these topics; that is, they write content that gives trip tips.
How Much Money Does A Travel Writer Make?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not collect data directly on travel writers, but it does collect data on authors and writers. How much money you can make depends on the type of trip writing job you choose, the size of the company you work for, and how much experience you have.
As a new writer, you won't make as much as trip writers who have been writing for a while. You could keep your day job and write a few pieces on the side. Then, as you get more experience and build up your resume, you can quit your full-time job.
How Do You Get Paid To Travel And Write?
Being paid to write about travel is only sometimes in cash. Sometimes, a company pays for your food, housing, and travel. You can talk about these perks with each client. Most of the time, you're more likely to get paid for travel jobs if you have more experience and more followers on social media.
5 Types Of Travel Journalists
Travel reporters can go in several different directions. The following are some of the most popular types of travel writers and journalists.
Freelance Travel Journalist
Most trip writers work on their own as freelancers. Freelance travel writers pitch stories to different publications and get to know the editors. When a freelance journalist writes articles, reviews, or trip guides, they can put them in newspapers, magazines, and on the web. A lot of the time, freelance writers have to pay for their trips.
Staff Travel Journalist
Sometimes, a publication will hire a trip writer to write about travel all the time. Full-time travel writers and journalists with years of experience and great names can get these sought-after jobs at the biggest, best-funded publications.
Trade Travel Journalists
This type of trip writing is mainly about the travel and tourism business. The people who read trade magazines are usually tourism boards and the public relations staff at hotels, cruise lines, and other service-based tourism businesses. The travel and tourism business is prominent around the world, and travel writers can get a lot of readers.
Travel Author
There is another type of travel journalist who writes books, like guidebooks to specific places, regions, and countries. Updates to guidebook series happen all the time, giving travel writers and editors steady work.
Travel Blogger
Some trip writers write in-depth, first-person accounts of the places they've been. This work can be satisfying, but you have to be honest about yourself, and it can be hard to sell.
How To Become A Travel Journalist
To become a trip journalist, you can do the following:
Earn A Degree
Some companies will hire trip reporters without a degree, but getting one can often help you get full-time jobs with news organizations. Get a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or a similar field like sports management or tourism and hospitality management.
While you are getting your degree, consider looking into study-abroad programs that will help you get used to going to new places.
Complete An Internship
Do an internship to get real-world experience before or after you finish. Look for jobs at news organizations that interest you. For example, if you want to work as a trip writer for a magazine, look for internships at print magazines.
You can learn how to pitch stories, talk to people, and write news stories during an internship. These are all skills that will help you in your job as a travel journalist.
Practice Writing
An internship can give you valuable knowledge, but you can also practice writing to learn how to describe different places.
Start by writing about your city. Include exciting news stories and places to visit in your area. Think about what other people might want to know about your neighborhood, and then write about it.
Search For Jobs
If you want to work as a trip reporter full-time, look for jobs in newspapers and magazines. Online job search engines can help you find open roles at radio or TV stations, newspapers, magazines, and online news outlets.
Travel journalists often start in another area of news, like beat writing, before moving on to travel journalism.
Pitch Stories
Some travel writers work for magazines, while others go on trips on their own and pitch stories to newspapers and magazines. If you want to do this kind of trip writing, look into different publications and send them travel-related stories.
Before you send in a story, make sure you know the editorial submission rules. Some publications will accept full stories, while others will only work with journalists they trust.
Build A Portfolio
As you write stories, put together a digital portfolio of them so that possible employers or publications can see them. Make a website or blog to show off the things you've written.
If you can't post entire articles on your site, include links to where you've already written them. There may be other pages in your digital portfolio that show off your knowledge and qualifications.
A poll found that 65% of travel journalists are building a portfolio business that includes skills other than travel writing, and 25% have or will get a part-time job to make ends meet.
Skills A Freelance Travel Writer Needs
To make a name for themselves in the travel writing business, whether they are new to the craft or just the independent side of it, most writers need to learn a few skills.
Willingness To Read
The trip of a freelance travel writer starts with a huge desire to read. This skill is more than just enjoying a good book; it means getting lost in a lot of different kinds of writing, from travel books to historical accounts to culture studies.
A travel writer learns a lot about different writing styles, regional nuances, and historical contexts by reading a lot of different kinds of writing all the time.
Creativity
A freelance trip writer needs to be creative to keep going. It means being able to find the extraordinary in the ordinary and turn boring events into exciting stories. Creative travel writers add a magical touch to their stories, whether they're writing about the busy markets of Marrakech or the peaceful scenery of the Swiss Alps.
Writing With A Distinct Voice
When you work as a freelance travel writer, having your style is like leaving your mark on the literary world. It's more than just sharing a story; it's about coming up with a style and tone that makes the writer stand out. A writer's brand is their unique style, which runs through all of their different works.
Personal Accountability
Writing travel articles for a living is more than just a hobby; it's a job. As a travel writer who works as a freelancer, personal responsibility is what keeps them on track. Setting reasonable goals, meeting deadlines, and taking charge of your work path are all parts of this skill.
3 Challenges Of Being A Travel Journalist
It can be fun and satisfying to work as a travel journalist, but it can also be challenging, especially for freelance writers. Here are some of the problems.
Logistical Complications
One of the hardest things for trip journalists is dealing with all the different problems that come up. To write an exciting trip story, you have to plan and carry out the details carefully, and any problems with the logistics can throw off the whole story.
Travel writers always have to fight to make sure that their schedules work, that they can find good places to stay, and that their transportation works smoothly.
Loneliness
It may seem like a glamorous job to be a travel journalist, but in fact, they spend a lot of time alone. Because of their job, writers have to spend a lot of time in places they don't know, sometimes without any familiar faces or company.
Being alone can be hard on the mind and the emotions because you don't have a regular group of friends, and you're excited to explore.
Low Pay
Even though it's fun to visit faraway places, many travel journalists have to deal with the harsh truth of low pay. When it comes to the competitive world of trip journalism, freelancers often need help with their finances.
The allure of the business can sometimes overpower the financial problems, creating a delicate balance between a love for the craft and the need to make a living. It costs $23.27 an hour to be a freelance travel writer in the United States.
Travel Writing Examples
There are many types of trip writing you can do. Here is a quick list of a few:
Hotel, Restaurant, And Destination Reviews
Go to a bunch of different places and businesses, write down what you thought of them, and then rate and write a review about them.
Travel Itineraries
With a good plan, the days (or hours for shorter trips) will be broken down. Once you've given a short outline of the trip's stops, you need to give your readers exciting details about each one so they can decide if the trip is right for them.
Travel Guides And Advice
These should come from your own experience. You should be accurate, but write in a casual style. It would help if you talked about a trip experience you had to teach others what to do or not to do.
Blog Or Social Media Content
There are many writing jobs available here, so it's best to find your area (for example, travel for families, backpackers, and couples), do some research, make a plan for when you can post, and then start writing exciting content for the people you want to reach.
Travel Books
A travel book isn't just a diary. You should be able to write creatively so that your readers feel like they are on the journey with you or find themselves wanting to do what you did.
Travel Books Are More Than Just A Diary
You should be able to write creatively so that your readers feel like they were on the trip with you or want to follow your lead.
Where To Find Travel Writing Gigs
The question is where to look for full-time travel writing jobs now that you have a resume and are active on social media. Good news: there are a few places:
Travel Writing Job Site - Flexjobs
Digital travelers can find a lot of helpful information on Flexjobs. Flexjobs will match you with jobs that you're suited for through a paid subscription service. All of the jobs are online and can be done from home. When I first joined Flexjobs.
Travel Writing Job Site - Social Media Groups
There are great places to find full-time work as a travel writer on social media sites, especially Facebook groups. Post questions, comments, and tips that are important to the group in these places, and if the rules allow it, let the group know that you're looking for travel writing jobs.
Travel Writer Job Site - Opportunity Boards
You will get access to an opportunity board as part of your travel blogging or travel writing course. People who want to find paid writing jobs or guest posts will often post ads on these boards, so check them often.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Start Travel Journalism?
Begin by building a solid online presence, honing writing and photography skills, and pitching stories to travel publications.
What Is Freelance Travel Journalism?
Freelance travel journalism involves independently creating and selling travel stories, allowing flexibility and freedom in choosing assignments.
Is It Hard To Be A Travel Journalist?
Yes, it can be challenging due to logistical complexities, financial uncertainties, and the need for resilience in the face of constant change.
Which Course Is Best For Travel Journalists?
Courses from institutions like MatadorU, NYU, or Travel Writer's Academy offer valuable insights and skills for aspiring travel journalists.
Conclusion
The world of travel writing is a vast landscape, offering various avenues for those with a passion for exploration and storytelling. From the intricacies of logistical planning to the challenges of solitude and financial uncertainties, aspiring travel journalists must navigate a complex terrain.
Whether embarking on the freelance journey, seeking staff positions, or delving into the realms of trade journalism and book authorship, the opportunities are diverse. To embark on this exhilarating path, aspiring travel journalists can follow a roadmap that includes education, internships, building a portfolio, and honing essential skills like creativity and personal accountability.
As the travel writing industry continues to evolve, those armed with a unique voice, resilience, and a love for the extraordinary will find success in sharing the wonders of the world. So, if you're pondering how to become a freelance travel journalist, remember that it's not just a destination; it's an ongoing odyssey of discovery and storytelling.